Two Ordinary Cops
The two ordinary cops are former Northern Territory Police Officers Remote Sergeant Ben Schultz and Detective Sergeant Damien Barbe. With over 25 years experience Ben and Damo share stories from their time in the job. Follow along through the laughter, anger and tears that come with the rigours of Policing Australia’s last frontier.
The two ordinary cops are former Northern Territory Police Officers Remote Sergeant Ben Schultz and Detective Sergeant Damien Barbe. With over 25 years experience Ben and Damo share stories from their time in the job. Follow along through the laughter, anger and tears that come with the rigours of Policing Australia’s last frontier.
Episodes
Feb 20, 2026
Feb 20, 2026
1 hr 14 min
In Episode 111, the boys sit down with serving Queensland Police Sergeant Jake Lacy for a genuine yarn about growing up on the Gold Coast, joining the police, and choosing the adventure of heading north before being thrown straight into the realities of bush policing in Mount Isa. From relentless jobs and limited backup to tight-knit teams and lifelong friendships, Jake explains how the bush fast-tracks both your policing experience and personal growth.
The episode blends humour, frontline stories, and honest reflections on camaraderie, police wellbeing, and organisational pressures - highlighting why looking after your mates, switching off from the job, and embracing the adventure out bush can shape not just better cops, but stronger humans.
Feb 20, 2026
1 hr 14 min
Feb 13, 2026
Feb 13, 2026
1 hr 16 min
Every week we get asked the same question: “How do I join the police?”
But the real question isn’t how — it’s why.
In this episode, we break down what becoming a police officer actually demands. Not the recruitment brochure version. Not the TV drama version. The real version.
We talk about:
Why your motivation matters more than your fitness score
The responsibility behind the badge (not the power)
The lifestyle change no one fully prepares you for
What the recruitment process is really looking for
The personality traits that will make or break you in the job
How the job will change you — whether you’re ready or not
We share our own recruitment journeys, the mistakes we made, the lessons we learned, and what we’d tell our younger selves before stepping through those academy gates.
If you’re thinking about joining the police — or you’ve already applied — this episode is your reality check.
Because this isn’t just a job.
It’s a commitment.
And you need to learn what it really takes.
Feb 13, 2026
1 hr 16 min
Feb 6, 2026
Feb 6, 2026
1 hr 14 min
What happens when NT bush coppers and Queensland country police work the same patch of dirt? You get chaos, camaraderie, and some cracking stories.
In this episode we sit down with Queensland Police officer Amit Singh, whose career has taken him from Brisbane to some of the most remote communities in the country. From solo responses on the Barkly Highway to cross-border jobs with NT Police, Amit shares what policing is really like when backup is hours away and the locals are your first support crew.
We talk Camooweal connections, bush problem-solving, interstate teamwork, and a bit of friendly cricket rivalry thrown in for good measure.
But it’s not just war stories. Amit opens up about the mental toll of the job, why recognising good police work matters, and how a simple message can change — or even save — a life. He also shares why he started the Strong Legacypodcast, focused on resilience, wellbeing, and reminding first responders of the difference they make.
Bush policing, cross-border brotherhood, and looking after your mates — this one’s got heart.
Feb 6, 2026
1 hr 14 min
Jan 30, 2026
Jan 30, 2026
40 min
We’re back answering your questions — from joining the AFP and life in the dog squad, to why bush policing can shape you into a better cop.
We share stories about working with police dogs, the reality of remote Territory jobs, and how body-worn cameras could save huge time on statements. Then we tackle the big one: does a full moon really send people wild? Let’s just say… there’s a reason cops watch the sky.
We also head into croc country, talking Cahill’s Crossing, remote dangers, and the kind of policing you only see in the Top End — before finishing with a few laughs and cartons owed.
Real stories, real policing, and plenty of Territory chaos.
Jan 30, 2026
40 min
Jan 23, 2026
Jan 23, 2026
47 min
In this episode, we’re joined by Rebecca Dale, Queensland Police veteran and Games Manager for the Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games, to talk about what the Games are really about — connection, camaraderie, and catching up with the people who just get it.
From cops, ambos and fireies reconnecting years after working side-by-side, to mixed teams, unexpected friendships and plenty of laughs along the way, this isn’t just a sporting event — it’s a frontline reunion. Rebecca shares how the Games bring together thousands of emergency service workers across Australasia, why networking off the job matters just as much as teamwork on it, and how shared experiences create bonds that last a lifetime.
There’s talk of unlikely sports, legendary banter, beer gardens, and why coming together for something positive hits differently for people who usually meet at the worst moments. It’s a high-energy, feel-good chat about mateship, movement, and why the Australasian Games are one of the best weeks on the calendar.
Jan 23, 2026
47 min
Jan 20, 2026
Jan 20, 2026
1 hr 4 min
After missing their first deadline in 105 episodes — thanks to a 250kg heifer flattening Damo’s wife — the Two Ordinary Cops are back on the mic.
In this episode, Schultzy and Damo dive deep into one of the most fundamental — yet often underestimated — parts of policing: taking a proper statement.
Sparked by Schultzy reviewing a poorly constructed statement in the Lockie Jones investigation, the boys unpack why statements are often the difference between justice and a case falling apart. They break down key techniques like TEDS and ADVOCATE, explain how to avoid contaminating witnesses, and why open-ended questioning matters so much in court.
From handwritten notebooks to audio, video, and body-worn cameras, they also reflect on how statement taking has evolved — and why modern recording methods can be a game changer for both victims and police.
With real stories from the job, practical lessons for current serving members, and their trademark humour along the way, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand how cases are really built from the ground up.
Jan 20, 2026
1 hr 4 min
Jan 9, 2026
Jan 9, 2026
30 min
After a disrupted start to the year, Schultzy and Damo reunite to reset and kick off 2026.
This episode is driven by listener feedback following recent powerful episodes, particularly the stories shared by Kath and Susie. The boys reflect on why those conversations mattered, how they humanised policing, and the impact they’ve had across Australia and New Zealand.
They also share honest reflections on the realities of modern policing, the challenges faced on the ground, and the disconnect that can exist between frontline experience and public commentary.
A grounded return episode focused on reflection, connection, and what’s ahead for Two Ordinary Cops in 2026.
Jan 9, 2026
30 min
Jan 2, 2026
Jan 2, 2026
33 min
In this episode, Schultzy flies solo while Damo takes some time out for family, and he dives into something deeply important. A huge thank you goes to Melanie Reid and Bonnie Sumner, whose powerful work on The Boy in the Water series helped bring this case, and its serious concerns, into the light and kept it in the public conversation.
While visiting New Zealand, Schultzy travelled to Gore to walk the ground, speak with those involved, and take a closer look into the heartbreaking case of three-year-old Lockie Jones, whose death in the Gore oxidation ponds has left more questions than answers.
From investigative red flags, unanswered questions, policing standards, hierarchy-driven decisions, and the duty to properly investigate — Schultzy talks openly and honestly about why this matters, why impartial policing is essential, and why Lockie, his family, and the community deserve clarity and truth.
This episode isn’t about politics. It’s about responsibility, good policing, and a little boy who loved cops.It’s about making sure the job is done properly — and doing it for Lockie Jones.
Jan 2, 2026
33 min
Dec 26, 2025
Dec 26, 2025
4 min
In this shorter-than-usual Boxing Day catch-up, the Two Ordinary Cops jump on quickly to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year. With family time taking priority over the holidays—and Schultzy heading over to New Zealand to spend time with loved ones—recording time has been tight, so this one is brief but heartfelt.
Schultzy also shares that his NZ trip isn’t just about family; he’ll be digging deeper into The Boy in the Water podcast and the death of 3-year-old Lachie Jones, who was found in the Gore sewerage ponds. From a policing perspective, he’ll be looking closely at aspects of the case that don’t seem to fit the accepted narrative—while making it clear nothing will be speculated on without proper evidence.
The boys reflect on a massive year that included powerful guests, emotional stories, laughs, live shows, and incredible listener support. They promise more conversations, more honesty, more humour, and more important voices in 2026—plus plans for another live show and a Christchurch catch-up for Kiwi cops and supporters.
A quick sign-off, a Christmas cheers, and a reminder: look after yourselves, look after each other, and we’ll see you in the New Year.
Dec 26, 2025
4 min
Dec 19, 2025
Dec 19, 2025
1 hr 1 min
This week is another heavy one. In the wake of the Bondi tragedy, we pause to pay our respects to the victims and their families, and to acknowledge the first responders and everyday civilians who ran toward danger when most people were rightly running away.
We don’t pretend to have all the facts — that’s what investigations and coronial processes are for — but we do talk through what these moments feel like on the ground: the radio traffic, the confusion, the fear, the split-second decisions, and the leadership that has to cut through chaos when lives are on the line. We also unpack the reality of mass-casualty response, why armchair criticism misses the point, and why the human courage shown that day matters.
It’s a respectful, honest discussion from two ex-coppers who’ve been to critical incidents — and who never forget the cost paid by victims, families, and the responders who carry it long after the scene is cleared.
Dec 19, 2025
1 hr 1 min

Two Ordinary Cops
Ben Schultz and Damien Barbe joined the Northern Territory Police on the 26th of February 2007 and quickly became best mates. They progressed through the college together, graduated later that year and both moved to Katherine to start their policing career. Throughout their time in the police they both worked in many different fields including general duties, investigations, bush policing, running of stations and troops as well as prosecutions.
Their friendship and ability to communicate with people gave them not just their own knowledge, but what other police and the community experienced when it came to policing. Join them now as they not only pass on their experience, but that of many other police officers who have worn the uniform to protect and serve.









